Part 5- All the Materials

In this episode of Teach Task Box Inspire, Lisa continues her mini-series on setting up an effective Autism Classroom. She discusses the importance of preparing instructional materials and resources for students with diverse needs.

Lisa emphasizes the ongoing process of resource development and adaptation, especially for educators new to Autism classrooms. She shares strategies for organizing and selecting materials tailored to individual students' IEP goals and learning styles. Take a listen while Lisa the endless materials she offers to make your autism classroom thrive such as task boxes, adapted books, life skills curriculum, and more.

You won't want to miss part 5 of the mini-series. I am here to provide you with all of the tools you could possibly need!

Episode Highlights:

• IEP Bins and Goal Materials: Lisa suggests setting up IEP bins or binders for each student, containing materials aligned with their specific academic goals. These can include adapted books, worksheets, and manipulatives necessary for assessing and teaching new skills.
• Assessment and Material Adaptation: Before selecting materials, educators should assess students to gauge progress and identify areas of need. This informs the creation or modification of age-appropriate resources aligned with students' abilities.
• Independent Work Systems: Lisa emphasizes the importance of providing materials for independent work, such as peg puzzles, file folder games, or worksheets tailored to individual students' abilities to work without adult assistance.
• Sensory Area Essentials: Lisa recommends stocking sensory areas with diverse items like fidgets, light tables, and sensory tables. Materials should be selected based on students' sensory profiles outlined in their IEPs.
• Para-Led Centers: Lisa discusses the necessity of preparing materials for para-led centers, ensuring that each center has engaging and appropriate resources for activities like writing, fine motor skills, life skills, and more. Task boxes, file folder games, and laminated worksheets are recommended for repeated use.

Resources Mentioned:

• Adapted Materials
• Adapted Books Bundle
• Functional Life Skills Curriculum
• Task boxes
• Reading Comprehension
• Life Skills Task Boxes
• Sensory Tools
• Free training: 3 Simple and Powerful Ways to Cultivate Independence in Your Special Education Classroom

Connect with Me:

• Instagram: @chalkboard_superhero
• Join my Facebook group, Special Education Superheroes
• Join my email list
• Shop my TPT store
• Join the Teach, Taskbox, Inspire Membership

More About Teach, Task Box, Inspire: The Podcast:

Teach, Task Box, Inspire: The Podcast is your go-to educational podcast dedicated to making your job as a special education teacher easier and more enjoyable. Your host, Lisa Hollady, is a veteran special education teacher with a passion for helping teachers like you make a real difference in the lives of your students.

In your demanding roles, you’re constantly juggling various responsibilities, from differentiated instruction and Individualized Education Programs (IEPs) to data collection, and, of course, teaching. That’s where task boxes come in.

Task boxes aren’t just teaching tools. They’re the key to unlocking student independence, student engagement, and personalized learning. Through this podcast, you’ll uncover the incredible task box benefits for your special needs students and practical implementation tips that you can take to your classroom.

Tune in each Monday for a new episode that will equip you with essential strategies and motivation to approach your week with confidence and enthusiasm. Topics will include task box activities, social and emotional development, adaptive teaching, inclusive teaching, supporting diverse learners, classroom management, scheduling, visual aids, and more.

If you’re looking for more special education resources and support with increasing student independence, check out Lisa's FREE training.